Banquet recognizes military-friendly companies
The Delaware Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve held its Annual Awards Recognition Banquet at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in downtown Wilmington. The event recognized civilian employers who provide extraordinary support to employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. On hand for the event were Gov. Jack Markell, and the adjutant general of the Delaware National Guard, Maj. Gen. Francis D. Vavala.
“This was a special night bringing together Delaware businesses and our military to honor their workplace leadership, successes and support for those who selflessly serve our country, said Gary Stockbridge,” state chair for Delaware ESGR. “We look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.”
This year, for the first time, small business Phoenix Restoration and large business Christiana Care Health System were awarded the Delaware Warrior Friendly Business Award for their ongoing efforts toward hiring, training and promoting service members, veterans and their families. This award is sponsored by the State, New Castle County and Central Delaware chambers of commerce and awarded via the Joint Military Affairs Committees.
ESGR Awards ranged from Patriot Awards for individual supervisors and bosses for support provided directly to the nominating service member and his or her family, to the Pro Patria and Extraordinary Employer Award given to businesses that are at the top in supporting service members and in the case of the Extraordinary Employer are able to show sustained performance as the best of the best. The 2015 ESGR Award winners included the following Delaware businesses representing private, public and nonprofit organizations from throughout the First State:
The Patriot Award went to Jason Caparelli of the Apple Store in Newark and Steve Walker of Savage Rail Services of Delaware City.
Above and Beyond recognition went to Solar City, SPI Pharma, Elwyn of Delaware, Waste Masters Solutions, Saint Francis Healthcare, Bloom Energy, Discover, New Castle County Government, Appoquinimink School District and Delaware Department of Transportation.
Seven Seals recognition went to John Still, David Keyser and Vince Jacono.
Freedom Award Nominees were Dassault Falcon, Delaware Department of Correction, Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Delta Engineering, JP Morgan Chase, M&T Bank, Pat’s Family Restaurant, Saint Francis Healthcare, Town of Bridgeville and Woodbridge School District. The Freedom Award - semifinalists were B.D. Abel Engineering, A Pennoni Company, Discover and Wilmington Police Dept. Pro Patria went to Horizon Services. The Extraordinary Employer Award went to the State of Delaware.
For more information on these awards, volunteering with DE ESGR or to schedule a free employer education seminar, contact Nicole Ortiz at the Delaware ESGR office at 302-561-8415.
